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NEGATIVE EFFECTS DANCEHALL MUSIC

HAS ON JAMAICAN YOUTHS.
MARCH 15, 2012 | PHIA SPARKZ JOHNSON

Dancehall music has become a symbol of explicit sexual imagery and

violence. Despite the positive effects Dancehall music might have on our
young people, it has become more a pathway for moral degradation with our
young people. Dancehall is a “style of Jamaican popular music that had its
genesis in the political disturbance of the late 1970’s ad became Jamaica’s
dominant music in the 1980’s and 90’s”, ( C.J.Cooper)

“Jamaican dancehall culture is commonly disparaged as a homophobic,

homicidal, misogynist discourse that reduces both men and women to bare
essentials: skeletal remain” (Cooper.C.J,July2000). Dancehall music as an art
form has great influences on the youths. This can be seen where popular
Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel song the song ‘Clarks’ the brand of shoe
became an instant hit.Both male and female youths wanted to be in ‘clarks’.
So if these artist praise violence in their lyrics wouldn’t it be inevitable that
the youths would follow,due to the huge influence they already have on
them? The youths, especially males believe that being a ‘bad man’, ‘hot
skull’, and ‘chargie’ are good descriptions of themselves.It makes them feel
like they belong because it has become the norm.Isn’t there then some self
esteem problems with our youths? Popular Dancehall artist, Movado, coined
the slang, ‘Gangster for life’ which resonated with the youths. They sought to
illicit and imitate gangstas behavior. According a study done on The effects
of Dancehall genre on adolescent sexual and violent behavior in Jamaica:
A public health concern “19% male and 13% females demonstrated
violence in schools, in their communities, and/or in their homes – 7% females
and 9% males were taken to the Principal’s office; 3% females and 5% males
suspended”(A.D. Crawford, 2010).In today’s society almost all of the
Dancehall Artists are being arrested for criminal offenses. The most recent of
which is Vybz Kartel being charged with Murder in 2011. Despite this,
however it still remains the popular music, even with adults, then why are we
complaining?
The glorifying of Guns in the Dancehall
Sexual explicit behavior among our youths influenced by the lyrics of
Dancehall music is also evident. There is a higher rate of promiscuity and
pregnancy. This has also aided in the increase of HIV/AIDS and STd’s
infections. According a study done on The effects of Dancehall genre on
adolescent sexual and violent behavior in Jamaica: A public health
concern ‘Of the 100 respondents, 52% males and 58% females claimed to be
sexually active'(A.D. Crawford, 2010).